PGC NEWS

The 1999 survival horror classic, Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, captivated players worldwide with its intense action and terrifying antagonist. Over two decades later, Capcom revisits Raccoon City with Resident Evil 3 Remake, leveraging the powerful RE Engine to deliver a visually stunning and modernized experience. This review explores the remake’s strengths and weaknesses, comparing it to its source material and the highly acclaimed Resident Evil 2 Remake.

A Reimagined Raccoon City

Building upon the foundation laid by Resident Evil 2 Remake, Resident Evil 3 Remake successfully recreates the chaotic and oppressive atmosphere of a city ravaged by the T-Virus outbreak. The RE Engine breathes new life into Raccoon City, showcasing impressive detail and chillingly realistic environments. While sharing the same engine and some assets with its predecessor, Resident Evil 3 Remake distinguishes itself with unique gameplay mechanics, redesigned character models, and an expanded narrative for supporting characters like Brad Vickers and Mikhail Victor. Even those familiar with the original game will find new surprises and heightened dramatic tension in this reimagining.

Resident Evil 3 Remake

From Survival Horror to Action Hero

Unlike the rookie cop Leon Kennedy in Resident Evil 2 Remake, Jill Valentine is a seasoned S.T.A.R.S. member with combat experience from the Mansion Incident. This translates into more agile gameplay, allowing Jill to perform perfect dodges to slow down time and create openings for counterattacks. While she lacks the defensive knife and grenade options of Leon, her evasive maneuvers offer a thrilling way to outmaneuver enemies, even the formidable Nemesis.

The game also features playable segments as Carlos Oliveira, who offers a contrasting playstyle. Equipped with a handgun and assault rifle from the start, Carlos can push back enemies and deliver powerful melee attacks. These sections provide a welcome change of pace, allowing for more aggressive combat compared to Jill’s resource-conscious approach.

Resident Evil 3 Remake

The Nemesis Dilemma

Resident Evil 2 Remake masterfully built tension through the relentless pursuit of Mr. X. Resident Evil 3 Remake attempts to replicate this with Nemesis, a more agile and aggressive stalker. While Nemesis possesses a wider range of attacks, including a devastating tentacle grab, his presence feels disappointingly scripted. Instead of the unpredictable dread of Mr. X, Nemesis encounters often devolve into predictable boss battles and quick-time events. This shift towards action set pieces undermines the survival horror atmosphere and diminishes the sense of constant threat.

Resident Evil 3 Remake

A Streamlined Experience, For Better or Worse?

Resident Evil 3 Remake streamlines many of the original’s gameplay mechanics. A universal lock pick eliminates the need for key hunting, and item boxes are readily accessible without requiring specific keys. While this simplifies exploration, it also removes a layer of resource management and puzzle-solving that defined classic Resident Evil games. The result is a shorter and more linear experience, clocking in at under four hours for a single playthrough.

Resident Evil 3 Remake

Furthermore, the game reuses assets and environments from Resident Evil 2 Remake, including the iconic Raccoon City Police Department. This can feel repetitive for players who recently experienced the previous game, further contributing to the impression of Resident Evil 3 Remake as an expansion rather than a full-fledged sequel.

Resident Evil 3 Remake

Conclusion

Resident Evil 3 Remake delivers a visually stunning and action-packed return to Raccoon City. However, its streamlined gameplay, over-reliance on scripted sequences, and shorter length prevent it from reaching the same heights as its predecessor. While offering a thrilling ride, Resident Evil 3 Remake ultimately feels like a missed opportunity to fully realize the potential of this classic survival horror title. While fans will appreciate revisiting this iconic story, the brevity and shift in focus may leave some wanting more.